Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 24: And Then.
Xavier did not respond. Her eyes intensely looked down into Alice's eyes. Alice would not lose. His eyes looked more coldly, more sharply, more piercingly. His mouth even re-opened throwing insults. Their clinging forehead and nose made their breaths hit each other's faces, but none of them would budge.
Five minutes later Xavier released his grip on Alice's hand and stood up. He sat to the left of Alice. His left leg was bent, while his right leg was straight touching the grassy ground. The young man's view is straight forward, on an imaginary horizon that unites the sky and the surface of the world.
“I know you yourself, tired, feeling lost, hopeless, don't know what to do, think you should do this to feel satisfied, or do that to feel calm, and things like that…. However, there was no need to throw those words at me. Even as a joke, it was already too late.” Xavier shook his head slowly, turning his face to the girl. “Say, Alice, what's your problem?”
Alice snorted at the question.”Nothing,” he replied and sat himself down. “I have no problem at all. But what the fuck were your words just now. By himself? Tired up? Feeling lost? Don't have any hope? Don't know what to do?” Alice looked at Xavier with a glance that showed an inclinability. “Yang is right? You want to image myself as a pathetic woman, huh?”
Alice shook her head, annoyed by the commander's words. “It was ridiculous. I can't even say.”
“Then why did you throw those words at my face? If that's not the effect of your stressed self, then?”
“No special reason, maybe seeing your face makes me slouch.” Alice turned her shoulders, then continued, “Without you even looking for me, from the beginning I did plan to return to the empire after testing my abilities in several countries. Spending time at the orphanage was originally what I wanted, but I felt it was dull for a long time. I'm actually better suited to swinging a gun than helping to take care of the kids.”
“Then,” continued Alice, “I didn't expect you to react that way. I was honestly a little surprised. I thought you were going to do something no-no. Ah, I'll share this story with Kanna. Hm...what did you do earlier could be called sexual harassment?”
...* * *...
The Manatite Carriage with all its splendor drove at full speed leaving the Kazarsia Kingdom territory. By then the sun had reached the middle of the sky, lunch time would soon arrive. However, the imperial magic chariot imitation of the dwarves' royal magic chariots showed no signs of stopping. The Manatite Carriage accelerated without a hitch.
Inside the passenger car of the only luxury train, Kanna and Monica sat on both sides of different seats, but face to face. The two were talking, they separated the oval table rather long. The table is not empty. In addition to the papers containing writing that piled together, there was also food on the table. Other than the two colorful haired girls, there was no other individual in the passenger carriage.
“By the way, Kanna, is that plontos-headed man named General Clown really as strong as you say?” monica asked, suddenly changing the subject without excuse.
“True, he's General Clown. I'm sure he's General Clown. King Kressia used to arrogantly introduce him as General Clown. What's the matter, Monica?”
“Is it just my feeling that he's too normal for an individual of the caliber being talked about? I once stood before Emperor Nueva. Just looking at it I knew instantly that your father was strong, but not General Clown. He's too weak. I didn't ask him before because I thought he was suppressing his power. But after a second thought, there was no way he could look that weak just by suppressing his strength.”
Kanna was silent for a moment hearing Monica's words. When he thought again, Monica's words had a point. He had never felt the great power of General Clown. The man did put on a face expression like those of war veterans, but no great power was felt from him. It was as if he was not General Clown who defeated the Second Commander with just an intimidation.
“We need to hear the report from Xavier to answer your question,” Kanna response in the end. “However, if your suspicions are correct, Monica, it could be that she is not the real General of Clown. Perhaps he was a controlled puppet, perhaps he was just another human being fitted with illusions. Or, he used runes on his body to make him look weak.”
Monica nodded in understanding. “What will we stop by in Hongariand?” he asked, once again changing the topic.
Monica shook her head. “I'm sure you're busy, so we'd better head straight back to Nevada.”
“Then we go directly to Nevada.”
...* * *...
After speaking at length with Alice, a very patient conversation, Xavier and Alice finally left the Kazarsia Kingdom territory. However, when he was leaving for Nevada, Xavier suddenly recalled the kidnapping incident that befell Artemys. He decided to take advantage of the situation.
Instead of taking Alice back to Nevada and resuming her military career there, Xavier offered the girl to stay at Cornnas and start a new career there. Xavier's various words were used to convince Alice. It took extra effort, but in the end Xavier succeeded. More precisely, Alice decides that spending time in the city that always reminds her of Clara will not be healthy for her.
Therefore, currently the two are in front of the palace door where Artemys el Vermillion lives—women who will become his wife after they continue the marriage plan that was delayed.
“Ah, Commander Xavier! It's surprising to see you here. Come on, please come in. I'm sure Miss Artemys will be very pleased with your sudden presence.”
Xavier nodded, stepping into the palace without hesitation. If Alice had not been with him, Xavier would have opened the palace door by himself and entered as if this building belonged to him. However, since there was Alice, she should at least show some formality.
Looking at Xavier who had entered just like that, Alice tailed behind him. Looking at the brief interaction between the waiter and Xavier, Alice was able to conclude that Xavier had been here a lot. He had indeed said that he had a close relationship with Emperor Nueva's eldest daughter. However, hearing that the maid said Artemys would be happy, unbelievable if it was just “akrab”.
It didn't take them long to meet the lord of the palace; they were already in the princess's study.
“Who did you bring this time, Commander Xavier?” ask the exotic green-haired lady who was about two years older than Alice. Despite asking Xavier, his eyes looked intensely at Alice's eyes as if he was probing deep into her soul.
“Name is Alice Skyward, she graduated from the academy the same year as me and Kanna. Alice, I'm sure you've guessed it, but I'll introduce you anyway. His name is Artemys, he's the governor of this province.”
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Excellency Artemys.” Alice slightly lowered her head in respect. “Commander Xavier offers me to be His Majesty's bodyguard.”
“Nice to meet you, Alice.” The princess smiled kindly. “If Xavier offers you to me, that means I don't have to doubt your abilities. Jenny, I'm handing Alice over to you. Explain to him what he needs to know. Xavier, there's something else we need to talk about. Take me teleporting to the usual place.”
Alice did not have time to open her mouth to say anything, Xavier and Artemys had already disappeared from the room. Alice's suspicions were raised seeing that. He could deduce what their familiarity meant as easily as breathing. Alice said nothing. He just nodded following the woman named Jenny.